Zinke Explains Bill to Have Women Sign-Up for Selective Service

Last Thursday, February 11, Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke made national headlines with a bill titled the Draft American Daughter’s Act. According to Zinke, the bill was to promote a national discussion about women in the military.

"Selective service is part of that, If you're going to make everything equal, then we've got to make everything equal along those lines," Zinke said. "I don't think a draft is likely, signing up for Selective Service isn't the same thing as drafting, but this is, yet again, when you look at this through a political lens, you've got to have this discussion about all parts of serving the country."

The bill is partly a response to the Pentegon’s decision that opened all combat jobs to women. Zinke, whose daughter was in the navy, says that the military should focus more on assembling the best team than on political correctness.

"I've served with women, we have a vice-CNO, Admiral Howard, which is great, I applaud that," Zinke said. "It's not pushing affirmative action in women's roles, it should be looking at looking at us as a team, what roles and missions are the right way to go?"

Currently, under the Military Selective Service Act, registration is only applicable to men between the ages of 18 and 26, The Draft American Daughter’s Act would expand those requirements to women as well.